Our goal was to do better than last year, and we raised $12,000 last year, so we're thrilled with the results. We're so small that the money will go toward keeping us in business.

Even though we're grateful for those initiatives that have been put in place, we still haven't had the problem addressed which is really nursing at the bedside and direct patient care, which is still compromised despite these initiatives.

I wanted Andre to grow up and be the man God wanted him to be.

Our goal is to help them, and the only way to reach that goal is with your help.

We've had five calls this week about our program. Most of them who call or come to us haven't seen it in the newspaper because they can't read, but they hear about us from family and friends.

I had to be here. I was there for the send off, and I had to see 'em back home.